Margaret Orbell is an educator, writer, and scholar of the Māori culture of New Zealand. This is a compendium of 400 stories and 240 illustrations that chronicle the Māori view of life since the arrival of the settlers.

In the beginning the world between Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother, was cramped and dark. Their children were forced to take action to survive and Rangi and Papa were forced apart, creating the world as we know it today.

Favourite Māori Legends is an invitation to enjoy over 30 of the most memorable legends, grouped into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, heroes and deeds of daring.

Contains the Māori text of an important body of beliefs and traditions committed to writing over fifty years earlier, when the young W. H. Whatahoro acted as scribe for a group of senior elders concerned to preserve this ancient and sacred knowledge.

This collection of writings on Māori issues by Māori writers combines many of the essays from the first edition with a selection from its companion volume, "Tihe Mauri Ora". Essential reading for anyone interested in Māori life and values.

Towards the end of 1845, Sir George Grey was requested to administer the affairs of New Zealand. In order to assist him with learning the Māori language, he spent eight years collecting ancient myths, poems and legends from Māori chiefs.

Tells of the separation of Rangi, the Sky Father and Papa, the Earth Mother by their son Tane, thus heralding the beginning of light and life on Earth; followed by Tane's journeys to fetch the three basket of knowledge from the overworlds.